New OC cases rise by 14

Confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Orange County rose in Thursday’s report from the county health agency.

The OCHCA’s tally shows 304 cases compared to 290 on Wednesday. There were two deaths in today’s count and none on Wednesday.

Hospitalizations were up from 143 to 149 and patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units increased to 39 from 35.

To date, Orange County has had 260,289 cases, of which 250,825 are judged recovered. The death total is 5,138.

The New York Times is reporting a 171 percent increase in new cases nationally over a 14-day period, along with a 42 percent hike in deaths.

In California, the Los Angeles Times’ calculations show a 242 percent increase in cases, but deaths have leveled off.